Welcome to another edition of reviews Twitter-style: a brief description of my current reads in 140 characters or less (sometimes I fudge a few characters, but you can forgive me).
Print Books
StarCrossed
Elizabeth Bunce
By the author of the first Morris winner, so I’m giving this one a shot, even though I didn’t really care for her first book. Magic, complex world-building, and a plucky heroine.
Half the Sky: Turning Oppression Into Opportunity for Women Worldwide
Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn
Depressing but also eye-opening account of women in the poorest areas and worst situations. I look forward most to the sections on how people like us can help.
Bill Willingham
The latest in Willingham's comic book series doesn't disappoint, with a focus on a few of the more interesting characters (the witches). A bit too much exposition, but still satisfying.
Red as Blood, or Tales From the Sisters Grimmer
Tanith Lee
A collection of re-told fairy tales from one of my favorite authors. Edgy but not true horror (so far). The source material is sometimes difficult to determine, but I enjoy seeing how Lee re-works the familiar stories.
Lauren DeStefano
Another dystopia. Another trilogy. Girls die at 20, boys at 25. Girls sold into marriage and forced to pop out babies. Weak world-building and a too passive heroine weaken the tale, but it will satisfy diehard fans of the genre.
Audiobooks
Lauren Oliver
Mean girl dies and re-lives the same day over and over again, a la Groundhog Day minus the comedy. Terrific narrator, excellent writing, I’m actually enjoying a contemporary YA!
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time IndianSherman Alexie
Yes, it really is as good as everyone says. The story - Indian boy leaves reservation to attend a white school - is a bit slight at times, but the narration (by Alexie himself) is wonderful and it's full of real humor.
I'd argue that Before I Fall isn't contemporary :) When you finish, I think you'll agree.
ReplyDeleteand Alexie! ALWAYS as good as people say. When you finish listening to it, you should flip through the print copy for the drawings.
I love the Twitter-style reviews!! Before I Fall and The Absolutely True... are both FANTASTIC.
ReplyDeleteAnd PS: I have finished Before I Fall, but I'm not sure why it wouldn't be considered contemporary?!
@Katie: I think that it crosses out of contemporary because of the time play issue -- that's more fantasy, the reliving over and over.
ReplyDeleteKind of an interesting book to think about in terms of genre, period. If this is what happens, then definitely fantasy. But if this is all in the character's head...maybe it's contemp. It's not entirely clear cut.
I'm on the fantasy side of the fence.